428 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. | - 
_¢ians discard the use of it at once, when it is universally acknow- 
ledged, and felt, that in the aggregate it has proved a curse, a de- 
stroyer to the human race. The disuse of it, it is true, would les- 
sen a of the medical profession ; but the satisfaction — 
they must feel at the proportionate decrease of suffering among theit 
fellow beings, will, no doubt, richly compensate them for the pecu-_ 
niary sacrifice. : ie 
"This root loses its virtue by age and long exposure. - It contains - 
a large quantity of oil, in which, probably, its medicinal power is 
|. My method of preparing it is, immediately ‘after it is 
dug and cleaned; to either bruise it and infuse it in Spirits, for a tine- 
ture; or, after carefully cleaning it, and cutting out the dead and 
_ inert matter, to dry it quickly before a fire, pulverize it, and bottle 
it tight, foruse. ‘The tincture may be given alone, or combined with 
other articles; when. it is employed as an alterative. For a cattharti¢, 
I generally make use of the powder, which may be given in the aye- 
_ “rage dose of twenty grains, repeating if necessary. Its operation is 
powerful, certain and quick, sometimes taking effect in half an hour? 
and Ehave often seen it move the bowels when jalap,.gamboge, and 
other strong purgatives had no effect. I have destroyed tape worms 
with this alone. aa 
This root, in the hands of a physician of skill and judgment, can 
be employed to effect many valuable purposes; but. it is not to he 
used incautiously, or trifled with. , 
Boxtsxr, or Tuorovenworr. Eupatorium Perfoliatum. 
The herb. i 
This useful plant rises to three feet in height, is hairy ; the leaves : 
Jong, rough; and grow to the stalk in pairs, four inches apart, ané 
appear as ifthe stem grew through each leaf; flowers white, and blas-— : 
soms in July and August. It grows by read sides, in meadows, and | 
near brooks of water. aes 7 
This plant is a valuable sudorific, tonic, alterative, antiseptic, C8 Aes 
thartic, emetic, febrifuge, corroborant, diuretic, astringent, deobstra- = 
ent, and stimulant. It was oneof the most powerful remedies of the — 
native tribes, for fevers, colds, &c. It has been introduced exten- 
sively into practice throughout the United States, and appeat® rene 
superior to camomile, as a sudorific tonic, and far preferable a 
barks, in the treatment of the loeal autumnal fevers of the cout yy — 
near the streams, lakes, and marshes, often curing when other 1098 F 
failed. A strong decoction of boneset, taken warm, till ig e 
freely, is sufficient to break up almost any fever in its eommencey © 
ment. It cleanses the stomach, excites all the secretions, relat 
off the disease. Por colds it is a complete remedy ; always 
ing to take a draught of the cold tea, after the sweat is ove; 
will prevent an additional cold, on exposure. Cae 
The cold preparations are powerful tonics, and do not SS me 
miting, as an over-dose of the warm decoction. It acts pow pao h 
_ the skin and removes obstinate cutaneous diseases. It has cured 
